Maca Root (Lepidium meyenii)

Cultivated for thousands of years, Maca root has been an important food and medicinal supplement for those who inhabited Peruvian highlands. Maca is a nutritionally dense super-food that contains high amounts of vitamins and minerals, enzymes and all of the essential amino acids. Maca Root tincture is used to help balance the hormones in the body. It has been used to relieve all sorts of hormonal problems such as the symptoms of menopause and PMS. Maca is also a fertility enhancer and is best known for improving libido and sexual function, especially in men. It is also nourishing for the pituitary and hypothalamus glands, which are considered to be the "master glands" of the body. Maca root has been used to enhance energy, increase stamina and strength during athletic performance. Maca Root is said to possess immuno-stimulating qualities that help to build the body's defenses against invasive infection and serious malignant disease. The root has been used for wound healing, anemia, osteomalacia and stomach cancer. It is good for healthy bones and teeth and is found to be beneficial for increasing circulation to the skin, which gives the skin a more youthful appearance. It is also believed to reduce anxiety and stress, and to alleviate depression, giving a sense of well-being.

As an adaptogen, Maca root works broadly to contribute to overall well-being. It is nourishing and calming to the nerves, with calcium, vitamins B-1 and B-12, and fatty acids, all of which are beneficial for the nervous system. It stimulates the appetite and aids in digestion. The phosphorus contained in the herb is considered to be a primary building block in cell fuels adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and glucose-6-phosphate (G6P). At the same time, it supports the adrenal glands of the body, so they don't have to rely on damaging cortisol to fuel the body. It is used to build muscle mass and aid in physical endurance. And, its alkaloids help the body assimilate all these nutrients, just as they are required.

Maca contains a category of compounds called glucosinolates, which have anti-fungal, antibacterial and anti-parasitic effects. Additionally, Glucosinolates are believed to provide cancer-preventative benefits, according to a study found in July 2012 issue of "Journal of Complementary Integrative Medicine." Colon cancer cells have been effectively inhibited by a glucosinolate compound called myrosinase in one study done in Egypt and published in May 2012 in the journal "Phytotherapy Research." Another compound, isothiocyanate, found in Maca may offer protection against leukemia, according to another study done in 2012.

Maca root helps to bring the balance to our hormones. It works as an adaptogen, which means it responds to different bodies' needs individually. If your body is producing too much of a particular hormone, Maca may help to regulate the production downward. If your production is low, it will regulate the production upward. Hormones regulate many things including growth, mood, sexual development, and tissue function. Additionally, they play a role in many diseases, such as cancer, and an imbalance may cause depression. Maca root has been shown to help improve hormonal problems, including PMS and menopause symptoms, such as hot flashes, body pain, mood swings, anxiety and night sweats. Maca is also a fertility enhancer and probably best known for its ability to improve libido and sexual function, especially in men. For this reason, it is considered to be "nature's Viagra". It is believed to treat male impotence and may increase seminal volume and sperm motility.

Maca has been used as a vitality tonic and as sports nutrition, for the plant extracts an exclusive sense of balance of proteins, carbohydrates, plant sterols, antioxidants, and minerals and vitamins. These properties help to maintain the entire body in optimal condition. Maca offers energy by balancing the endocrine system and reportedly helps in increasing energy, stamina and endurance in athletes and promoting mental clarity and balance.

Additionally, the increase in the body's hormones can also result in virility, that can help with feelings of getting older, offering a sense of well-being.Maca is particularly restorative to the adrenal glands, which can help your body to deal with mental and emotional stress, as well as physical stress. Although scientific studies are extremely limited, anecdotal evidence has suggested that Maca root tinctures may be beneficial as a natural anti-anxiety supplement. Maca may also help to improve memory, cognitive function and help to reduce depression. High levels of polyphenolic antioxidant compounds, found in the root, may be responsible for memory improvements, observed in a laboratory animals studies done in 2011, with alcohol-induced memory impairment.

Contraindications: Currently, there are no warnings or contraindications with the use of Maca Root. However, occasionally some people experience adverse effects when they start taking Maca root tincture, and these may actually be symptoms of detoxification. When the body starts taking in nutritionally dense supplements, the body will absorb these and "throw off" or eliminate toxins. If this happens, you may feel bad, but it generally only lasts a few days.

Instructions: Use 6-12 drops in juice or water, under the tongue or as desired. May be taken 3 times or more daily. Shake well. Store in cool dark place. Keep out of reach of children.

Disclaimer: The information presented herein by New Way Herbs is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own healthcare provider.